Customer Reviews

The Maintenance Man : A Novel

5 star:		(104)
4 star:		(67)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(19)
1 star:		(24)

 

 

After hearing and reading all of the reviews of a "must read" book, I sat down on a rainy day and did just that. I like a good literary masterpiece as well as the next person, however, I must admit that sometimes I read books just because I need to escape the realism of day-to-day living and I don't want to think too hard regarding the book that I'm reading. Having said that, I must admit that while The Maintenance Man(TMM) was not a masterpiece, it was entertaining, captivating, fast paced, easy to read and as such I was able to read in one sitting. I liked the storyline-hey this gigolo had it going on and there were some erotic scenes included in the book-and as such it held my attention to the end of the book; the book was drama, drama, and more drama...also liked the subplots and that all kinds of characters were included.

This book fell short of five stars due to the following: · Writing Skills---self published or not, grammatical/typographical errors are a pet peeve in any book. · Character Development---More Character Development Was Necessary; There were opportunities to expand upon Malcolm's character, especially his prior background. · Writing Style--Disappointed by the abrupt ending; I was also disappointed that there was no closure to the story of Ariel and Chris.

Overall, MM isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a quick, easy read and a story that allows you to fantasize/escape the mundane daily living and that doesn't necessarily have a message then read MM ....just for the fun of it and don't worry about the bad reviews!

Remember this book is FICTIONAL and NOT EVERY BOOK HAS TO HAVE A MESSAGE IN ORDER TO BE A GOOD BOOK!

I read the first 6 chapters at the book store! Michael Baisden does it again as he gives us an entertaining look into the male psyche. He shows that brothers are not always 1 dimensional. Malcolm who appears to be a very shallow brother who is all about the money, turns out to be a deep brother, who is multi-talented and desires a real relationship. Simon is a good brother who is just taking care of business and gets side-tracked like many brothers who are trying to make things happen. He loved his woman deeply, and in my opinion she could have been a little more understanding and patient. Aeriel is a likeable character, and I appreciate the relationship that she and Simon shared. They could have taken it there, but they didn't. This is an enjoyable book and its easy reading. I've read all Michael Baisden's books, and though it isn't his best, I still enjoyed it. I've read a few other reviews and I never knock anyone else's opinion, but one reader really irked me. If you didn't like the book, fine. But to say that anyone who gave this book more than 2 stars is uneducated is not a fair thing to say. Reading and experiencing literature in your own way is a very personal thing. And just because a person interprets a literary work differently than someone else, doesn't make it wrong, it just makes it a different interpretation. Thanks Mr. Baisden for another great read.

This author has an apparent gift for writing fiction. Although this is only his second piece of fictional work, it's obvious that he's got natural talent. Mr. Baisden's latest title is drama filled, fun fast-paced reading that will keep your finger tips on the corner edge of the page, ready to turn to the next. Mr. Baisden's characters were very real and the storyline is written in such a way as to command your attention chapter after chapter.

Readers, get ready to pass this one on to all your friends and your friends' friend!

How disturbing . Black woman; you are the Mother of all civilization. How the mighty seem to have fallen when a story like this that portrays our Queens as mindless, lust driven, emotionally inept creatures, gets rave reviews from their very own ranks ! Woman ! This is not you ! Mr Baisden, I expect writers to produce what sells and you have given the people what they want. If this novel had been written by a non-African American, we would be calling for their literary license and rightfully so ! It is not OK to saturate the public conscience with degrading characters for the sake of "entertainment". It has become chic to be known as a reader in the African-American community and it has become very profitable to be an African-American author. We are reaching an audience now that we were told did not exist. What responsibilty comes along with that. Mr. Baisden, once you make the money you want, how important will it become to publish something of substance that will give you some personal satisfaction. Please don't continue to abuse your female audience in the same manner your characters do. Ladies, don't accept anything less than exemplary behavior from the men in your bedroom whether they are in between the sheets or in between the pages. We also have a responsibilty as readers. I challenge you Mr. Baisden. The ground is fertile. You have the forum. The time is now. I know you are capable. Rise above where you are. Change your paradigm. Honor your responsibility to your work, to your people, to your God, and to yourself.

I did not like this book. The only positive thing I can say abou "The Maintenance Man" is that it is a quick read, I read it in 3 1/2 hours. The story felt like receyled gossip. I got the feeling that the drama in the book came from incidents that Mr. Baisden had heard second hand. The charcters were flat and un-developed. I would have like to have learned more about Antoinette besides the fact that she was a dancer. And the most unrealistic character of all was "Lawrence". I think Martin Lawrence does a joke in his movie "You So Crazy" about a crazy boyfriend that goes to the club in his pajamas to get his girlfriend. Martin's joke was funnier and more believeable. I hate to say this but I don't think I'll read anymore books by Michael Baisden. He just doesn't have the same gift for writing like Eric Jerome Dickey, and E. Lynn Harris.

If I had to summarize this book in one word, that word would have to be "Fiction". I find myself struggling with exactly what was the author trying to tell us. Was it meant to invoke a comic reaction? There were a few good one liners in the book. Mr. Baisden must feel that he must fill his pages with sexual situations and anatomy lessons to keep our attention. The book reads more like a script to a bad X rated movie than a literary work of art. I feel that the author tried too hard to interject his personal viewpoints on life on the reader. Whenever a dialog began to develop between two characters, one of the characters would break out in a speech, often spotting out some ridiculous opinion on relationships. Speaking as a man I must tell Mr. Baisden that it IS possible for a man to see and attractive woman without plotting and scheming of a way to get her into bed! This book did little to clarify the mysteries of male female relationships. IF anything it may have put harmful thoughts into the minds of some readers. If anyone believes that the opinions of the male characters in this book are true then we have much greater issues than just bad fiction.

This book is an in- depth picture of individauls that we as African- Americans can relate to, futhermore the book was well writtten. i completed the book in one day, moreover i forgot that i was at work. i recently saw the brotha in person here in miami, fl he was great. thank god we brothas can have a brotha that we can relate to.i can't wait for the next novel to come out i will complete that book to in 1 or 2 days. thank GOD for mike.

I got a few laughs off this book, but it was so similar to Why Men Cry... that I really could not enjoy it. I had the whole story figured out by the mid-point of the novel (maybe even before that).

Another problem I had was (I know this is nitpicky), but a doctor would never give the definition of Intracranial Hemorrhage as "bleeding in the heart". Intracranial Hemorrhas is a neurological defict...it is a Stroke. I felt the editor(s) did not do their job to look out for mistakes like these (and a few typos...less than in Why Men Cry...).

Very interesting.Many unexpected twists. The characters seemed so real.The book was refreshingly unpredictable and very interesting. Good to finally read a book about African-American characters where everyone isn't in the hood. Baisden has captured me as a faithful reader from now on!

I have had the pleasure of reading all of this author's books and he has yet to disappoint me. The stories are well written and captivating. I read this book in one day! The characters were interesting and had you looking forward to what was going to happen to them next. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your next project.